Poetic Wine Restaurant by LDH Architectural Design in Solana, Beijing

Recreating Memories Through Architecture

Poetic Wine, whose name translates to 'Shidu', meaning 'memories of the past,' is more than just a restaurant. Created by LDH Design, it stands as a poetic architectural expression that connects the nostalgia of traditional Beijing homes with modern restaurant culture. The design evokes the warmth of childhood—smoky chimneys, flickering sunlight, shadows and leaves—situated in the vibrant Solana district.

Dialogue Between East and West

Main designer Lyu Daohua approached the project with a philosophy rooted in Eastern aesthetics: a pursuit of harmony without uniformity. Inspired by architectural techniques from Kerry Hill, the building was renovated to balance restraint and warmth.

Externally, a raw concrete facade conveys strength and modernity; its texture is illuminated by changing light throughout the day. At night, red window frames softly glow, symbolizing memories, childhood, and the architectural heritage of Beijing.

Spatial Experience: Layers of Light and Shadow

Inside, the atmosphere constantly shifts—light and darkness, virtuality and reality—depending on the time of day and viewpoint. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the greenery of the park, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature.

The interiors reflect red and glaze tones from the Forbidden City, instilling a sense of cultural closeness while filling spaces with vital energy. The result is a restaurant that feels simultaneously deeply local and surprisingly contemporary.

Materials and Textures

The central bar area presents a striking composition of glass bricks and textured artistic finishes. Coarseness and refinement coexist, shifting with the day and glowing softly at night. This duality—strength and gentleness, permanence and transience—mirrors the core philosophy of the restaurant.

In other areas, asymmetry defines spatial structure, dissolving traditional Chinese motifs through Western modernity. Every surface, from copper spiral staircases to walls adorned with curated artworks, enriches the tactile experience.

Courtyards and Private Zones

On the second floor, LDH Design reimagined the sloped roof contour into a series of private dining rooms, reminiscent of traditional Chinese courtyards. Furnished with tea tables, fireplaces, and cozy arrangements, these spaces balance solitude and cultural storytelling, awakening the essence of 'home.'

The first floor also serves as a space for art, where simplicity contrasts with carefully selected artworks, transforming the restaurant into a gallery.

The spiral staircase, painted in textured copper finish and enhanced with artworks, rises as a sculptural centerpiece. With each step, guests encounter shifting perspectives reflecting the project's theme—layered experience.

Unified Concept of Dining

Just as Poetic Wine's cuisine preserves the flavors of old Beijing, presenting them in a modern form, the design embodies the unity of food and artistic vision. The interplay of materials, light, and cultural symbols creates a dining atmosphere unique in every moment.

Through a carefully balanced blend of memories and innovation, LDH Design has created not just a restaurant but a cultural landmark where architecture, cuisine, and heritage intersect.